Evolution of social mood in Spain throughout the COVID-19 vaccination process: a machine learning approach to tweets analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This paper presents a new approach based on the combination of machine learning techniques, in particular, sentiment analysis using lexicons, and multivariate statistical methods to assess the evolution of social mood through the COVID-19 vaccination process in Spain. METHODS: Analysing 41,669 Spanish tweets posted between 27 February 2020 and 31 December 2021, different sentiments were assessed using a list of Spanish words and their associations with eight basic emotions (anger, fear, anticipation, trust, surprise, sadness, joy and disgust) and three valences (neutral, negative and positive). How the different subjective emotions were distributed across the tweets was determined using several descriptive statistics; a trajectory plot representing the emotional valence vs narrative time was also included. RESULTS: The results achieved are highly illustrative of the social mood of citizens, registering the different emerging opinion clusters, gauging public states of mind via the collective valence, and detecting the prevalence of different emotions in the successive phases of the vaccination process. CONCLUSIONS: The present combination in formal models of objective and subjective information would therefore provide a more accurate vision of social reality, in this case regarding the COVID-19 vaccination process in Spain, which will enable a more effective resolution of problems.

Cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración no metastásico: recomendaciones de manejo / Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: management recommendations

Introducción y objetivo: La supervivencia y calidad de vida (QoL) de los pacientes con cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración no metastásico (CPRCnm) se deteriora de forma muy significativa cuando llegan a desarrollar metástasis. Los antiandrógenos de nueva generación (apalutamida, enzalutamida y darolutamida) pueden prolongar la supervivencia libre de metástasis (SLM) y la supervivencia global (SG) en estos pacientes, manteniendo su QoL.Material y método: Tras una revisión sistemática de la literatura, un comité científico alcanzó un consenso sobre recomendaciones sencillas y prácticas que unifiquen y mejoren el manejo de los pacientes con CPRCnm en las consultas de urología.Resultados: Se dan recomendaciones sobre la frecuencia de determinación de antígeno prostático específico (PSA) y pruebas de imagen en pacientes con CPRCnm. También se destaca la importancia de las comorbilidades en el paciente con CPRCnm y se ofrecen recomendaciones sobre la valoración funcional y de la QoL que se pueden llevar a cabo en la consulta de urología. Se revisa la eficacia, seguridad y efectos sobre la QoL de los antiandrógenos de nueva generación.Conclusiones: Para la evaluación del tratamiento de pacientes con CPRCnm, es necesario tener en cuenta no solo la edad, sino también las comorbilidades y la QoL. Los antiandrógenos de nueva generación son una opción de tratamiento segura y eficaz en los pacientes con CPRCnm. Las recomendaciones de trabajo pueden servir de ayuda para optimizar su manejo de los pacientes con CPRCnm en las consultas de urología. (AU)

Introduction and objective: Survival and quality of life (QoL) of patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) deteriorate significantly when they develop metastases. New generation antiandrogens (apalutamide, enzalutamide and darolutamide) can prolong metastasis-free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS) in these patients, maintaining their QoL.Material and methods: After the performance of a systematic review of the literature, a scientific committee reached a consensus on simple and practical recommendations to consolidate and improve the management of patients with nmCRPC in urology consultations.Results: Recommendations are made on the frequency of PSA determination and imaging tests in patients with nmCRPC. The importance of co-morbidities in patients with nmCRPC is also highlighted, and recommendations are also made on functional and QoL assessment that can be carried out during urology consultations. The efficacy, safety, and effects on QoL of new generation antiandrogens are reviewed.Conclusions: To evaluate treatment of patients with nmCRPC, it is necessary to consider co-morbidities and QoL, in addition to age. New generation antiandrogens are a safe and effective treatment option for patients with nmCRPC. The recommendations of this review can be helpful in optimizing the management of nmCRPC patients in urology consultations. (AU)

Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: management recommendations.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Survival and quality of life (QoL) of patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) deteriorate significantly when they develop metastases. New generation antiandrogens (apalutamide, enzalutamide and darolutamide) can prolong metastasis-free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS) in these patients, maintaining their QoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After the performance of a systematic review of the literature, a scientific committee reached a consensus on simple and practical recommendations to consolidate and improve the management of patients with nmCRPC in urology consultations. RESULTS: Recommendations are made on the frequency of PSA determination and imaging tests in patients with nmCRPC. The importance of co-morbidities in patients with nmCRPC is also highlighted, and recommendations are also made on functional and QoL assessment that can be carried out during urology consultations. The efficacy, safety, and effects on QoL of new generation antiandrogens are reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: To evaluate treatment of patients with nmCRPC, it is necessary to consider co-morbidities and QoL, in addition to age. New generation antiandrogens are a safe and effective treatment option for patients with nmCRPC. The recommendations of this review can be helpful in optimizing the management of nmCRPC patients in urology consultations.

Actualización del protocolo de manejo del cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración metastásico de la Asociación Andaluza de Urología / Update of the Andalusian Association of Urology protocol for the management of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

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Papel del índice neutrófilo/linfocito en pacientes con cáncer de próstata resistente a castración metastásicos tratados en primera línea con abiraterona / Role of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated first-line with abiraterone

INTRODUCCIÓN: En pacientes con cáncer de próstata un NLR elevado parece asociarse a una peor supervivencia. Abiraterona es un tratamiento hormonal de nueva generación que ha aumentado SLP y SG en CPRCm. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes tratados con AA en nuestro centro (diciembre del 2012-septiembre del 2018). Analizamos la asociación del NLR (< o ≥ 3) previo y a los 6 meses de tratamiento con la respuesta del PSA, SLP y SG, y hormonosensibilidad previa a AA (< o > 12 meses). RESULTADOS: Hemos tratado a 56 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 82 (62-94), de los cuales 22 pacientes (39%) presentan NLR ≥ 3 previo al tratamiento. Existe una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el NLR previo al tratamiento < 3 y la respuesta del PSA, OR = 9,444, p =0,001, no existiendo esa asociación con el NLR a los 6 meses de tratamiento. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos de NLR < y > 3 previo al tratamiento con abiraterona en SLP con 15 meses de mediana vs.9 y una p = 0,008 y en SG con 20 meses vs.9 con una p = 0,014. Con respecto a la determinación de NLR, a los 6 meses no existen diferencias en las curvas de supervivencia entre ambos grupos. Existen diferencias significativas entre el NLR previo al tratamiento según la duración del tiempo hasta la resistencia a castración (p = 0,026). CONCLUSIONES: Nuestros resultados indican que el NLR podría aportarnos información trascendente y ser constituido un marcador pronóstico temprano y accesible en los pacientes con CPRCm en tratamiento en primera línea con abiraterona

INTRODUCTION: In patients with prostate cancer, high NLR seems to be associated with worse survival. Abiraterone acetate (AA) is a new generation hormonal treatment that has shown to increase PFS and OS in mCRPC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients treated with AA in our center (December 2012-September 2018). We analyzed the association of the NLR (< or ≥ 3) before and after 6 months of treatment with PSA response, PFS, OS, and hormone sensitivity prior to AA (< or > 12 months). RESULTS: We have treated 56 patients with a median age of 82 (62-94), of which 22 (39%) had NLR ≥ 3 before treatment. There is a statistically significant association between the NLR prior to treatment < 3 and PSA response, OR = 9,444, P = .001, and there was no association with the NLR at 6 months of treatment. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups of NLR < and > 3 prior to treatment with abiraterone in PFS with 15 months of median vs.9 and P=.008, and in OS with 20 months vs.9 with P = .014. With respect to the determination of NLR at 6 months, there are no differences in the survival curves between both groups. There are significant differences between the NLR prior to treatment according to the length of hormone sensitivity (P = .026). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that NLR could provide relevant information and could act as an early and accessible prognostic marker in patients with mCRPC in first line treatment with Abiraterone

Role of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated first-line with abiraterone. / Papel del índice neutrófilo/linfocito en pacientes con cáncer de próstata resistente a castración metastásicos tratados en primera línea con abiraterona.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with prostate cancer, high NLR seems to be associated with worse survival. Abiraterone acetate (AA) is a new generation hormonal treatment that has shown to increase PFS and OS in mCRPC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients treated with AA in our center (December 2012-September 2018). We analyzed the association of the NLR (< or ≥ 3) before and after 6 months of treatment with PSA response, PFS, OS, and hormone sensitivity prior to AA (< or> 12 months). RESULTS: We have treated 56 patients with a median age of 82 (62-94), of which 22 (39%) had NLR ≥ 3 before treatment. There is a statistically significant association between the NLR prior to treatment<3 and PSA response, OR=9,444, P=.001, and there was no association with the NLR at 6 months of treatment. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups of NLR 3 prior to treatment with abiraterone in PFS with 15 months of median vs. 9 and P=.008, and in OS with 20 months vs. 9 with P=.014. With respect to the determination of NLR at 6 months, there are no differences in the survival curves between both groups. There are significant differences between the NLR prior to treatment according to the length of hormone sensitivity (P=.026). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that NLR could provide relevant information and could act as an early and accessible prognostic marker in patients with mCRPC in first line treatment with Abiraterone.

Risk and protective factors of secondary traumatic stress in Intensive Care Units: An exploratory study in a hospital in Madrid (Spain). / Factores de riesgo y protección del estrés traumático secundario en los cuidados intensivos: un estudio exploratorio en un hospital terciario de Madrid.

AIM: To propose a predictive model of secondary traumatic stress. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. CONTEXT: The study was conducted in the Intensive Care Units of a hospital in Madrid (Spain). PARTICIPANTS: The sample comprised 103 health professionals. INTERVENTIONS: A series of questionnaires were created and completed by the participants. Network analysis and multiple regression were used for data analysis. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Sociodemographic variables such as gender, years of experience and position, secondary traumatic stress, passion for work, work stressors, emotional effort, empathy and self-compassion were evaluated. RESULTS: The result identified the following: a) years of experience as a risk factor for compassion fatigue (ß=0.224 and P=0.029), and harmonious passion as a protector (ß=-0.363 and P=0.001); b) emotional effort and empathy as risk factors for shattered assumptions (ß=0.304 and P=0.004; ß=0.394 and P=0.000, respectively); and c), work stressors and empathy as risk factors for symptomatology (ß=0.189 and P=0.039; ß=0.395 and P=0.000, respectively), and years of experience as a protector (ß=-0.266 and P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: This predictive model of secondary traumatic stress identifies protective factors which could be reinforced, such as harmonious passion, and risk factors which should be reduced, such as empathy and emotional effort, with a view to promoting quality of care and quality of life among these professionals.

Diagnóstico de metástasis en pacientes con cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración: algoritmo de decisión en pruebas de imagen / Diagnosis of metastases in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients: Decision algorithm in imaging tests

Introducción: En el cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración (CPRC), la detección precoz de las metástasis es fundamental para la selección del tratamiento y la prevención de complicaciones óseas. Sin embargo, la detección de metástasis incipientes sigue siendo un reto dado que las pruebas radiológicas convencionales (gammagrafía ósea o tomografía computarizada) no tienen suficiente sensibilidad. Actualmente se dispone de técnicas diagnósticas por la imagen con mayor sensibilidad y especificidad cuya implantación es sin embargo escasa, debido a discrepancias en las recomendaciones. Objetivo: Elaborar un algoritmo que indique las técnicas diagnósticas por la imagen más idóneas para diferentes perfiles de pacientes con CPRC M0 según la evidencia científica. Adquisición de la evidencia: Reuniones de 8 expertos en Urología, Anatomía Patológica, Radiodiagnóstico y Medicina Nuclear organizadas por la Asociación Andaluza de Urología en las que se revisaron las recomendaciones y la evidencia científica acerca de cada una de las técnicas diagnósticas por la imagen. Síntesis de la evidencia: Se presentan las recomendaciones actuales para la detección de metástasis en pacientes con CPRC M0, los pacientes que se beneficiarían de una detección precoz y se resume la evidencia que apoya el uso de cada una de las nuevas técnicas. Conclusiones: Técnicas como la PET/TC 18F-colina o la RMCC/D y probablemente la RMA han demostrado tener una buena sensibilidad y especificidad en pacientes con PSA bajo (< 10 ng/ml). Su incorporación en la práctica clínica habitual contribuirá a mejorar la detección precoz de metástasis en pacientes con CPRC

Introduction: In castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), early detection of metastases is essential for the selection of treatment, and prevention of bone complications. However detecting incipient metastases remains a challenge as the conventional radiological tests (bone scintigraphy or computerised tomography) lack sufficient sensitivity. Diagnostic imaging techniques are currently available that have greater sensitivity and specificity, but are little used due to shortfalls in the recommendations. Objective: To create an algorithm that indicates the most suitable diagnostic imaging techniques for the different M0 CRPC patient profiles based on the scientific evidence. Evidence acquisition: Meetings were held with eight experts in Urology, Pathological Anatomy, Radiodiagnostics and Nuclear Medicine organised by the Andalusian Association of Urology, in which the recommendations and scientific evidence on each of the diagnostic imaging techniques were reviewed. Summary of the evidence: We present the current recommendations for the detection of metastasis in M0 CRPC patients, the patients that would benefit from early detection, and summarise the evidence to support the use of each of the new techniques. Conclusions: Techniques such as 18F-Choline PET/CT or DWWB MRI and probably open MRI have been demonstrated to have good sensitivity and specificity for patients with low PSA (< 10 ng/ml). Their inclusion in routine clinical practice will help improve the early detection of metastasis in CRPC patients

Diagnosis of metastasis in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients: decision algorithm in imaging tests. / Diagnóstico de metástasis en pacientes con cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración: algoritmo de decisión en pruebas de imagen.

INTRODUCTION: In castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), early detection of metastases is essential for the selection of treatment, and prevention of bone complications. However detecting incipient metastases remains a challenge as the conventional radiological tests (bone scintigraphy or computerised tomography) lack sufficient sensitivity. Diagnostic imaging techniques are currently available that have greater sensitivity and specificity, but are little used due to shortfalls in the recommendations. OBJECTIVE: To create an algorithm that indicates the most suitable diagnostic imaging techniques for the different M0 CRPC patient profiles based on the scientific evidence. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Meetings were held with eight experts in Urology, Pathological Anatomy, Radiodiagnostics and Nuclear Medicine organised by the Andalusian Association of Urology, in which the recommendations and scientific evidence on each of the diagnostic imaging techniques were reviewed. SUMMARY OF THE EVIDENCE: We present the current recommendations for the detection of metastasis in M0 CRPC patients, the patients that would benefit from early detection, and summarise the evidence to support the use of each of the new techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Techniques such as 18F-Choline PET/CT or DWWB MRI and probably open MRI have been demonstrated to have good sensitivity and specificity for patients with low PSA (<10ng/ml). Their inclusion in routine clinical practice will help improve the early detection of metastasis in CRPC patients.

Papel del urólogo en el tratamiento del cáncer renal / Role of the urologist in the treatment of renal cancer

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Acetato de abiraterona prequimioterapia. Propuesta de un algoritmo de tratamiento en el carcinoma de próstata resistente a castración / Pre-chemotherapy abiraterone acetate. A proposal of a treatment algorithm in castration resistant prostate cancer

Contexto: El tratamiento del cáncer de próstata sigue siendo un reto para el urólogo. El control médico en el cáncer de próstata metastásico o localmente avanzado se realiza habitualmente con análogos LHRH y antiandrógenos. Cuando se produce la progresión bioquímica y clínica de la enfermedad diferentes tratamientos han sido propuestos y otros nuevos han cambiado la perspectiva y esperanza de vida de los pacientes. Objetivo: El objetivo de esta revisión es establecer el papel actual del acetato de abiraterona en el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración y facilitar la toma de decisión del urólogo mediante un algoritmo de tratamiento. Adquisición de la evidencia: Se realiza una búsqueda de la evidencia actual del tratamiento con abiraterona en pacientes con cáncer de próstata metastásico resistente a castración en PubMed, analizando principalmente aquellos estudios diseñados como ensayos clínicos. Además se realiza una revisión y actualización del papel del tratamiento hormonal y de los receptores androgénicos en el cáncer de próstata. Síntesis de la evidencia: Existen en la actualidad fundamentalmente 2 ensayos clínicos que demuestran la eficacia de abiraterona en el cáncer de próstata metastásico con respecto a placebo. En el estudio COU AA-302 se observa un beneficio evidente con abiraterona previo a quimioterapia en pacientes con cáncer de próstata resistente a castración, lo que permite establecer un algoritmo de tratamiento inicial que facilita la toma de decisión por parte del urólogo. Conclusión: Abiraterona es una opción de tratamiento prequimioterapia en pacientes seleccionados con cáncer de próstata metastásico resistente a la castración, aunque debe mejorarse la oferta económica y diseñar más ensayos clínicos multicéntricos para optimizar la relación coste/beneficio

Context: Prostate cancer treatment remains a challenge for the urologist. Medical control in locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer is usually performed with LHRH analogs and/or antiandrogens. Different treatments have been proposed when there is biochemical and clinical progression of the disease and other new ones have changed the patients’ perspective and life expectancy. Objective: This review has aimed to establish the current role of abiraterone acetate in the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer and facilitate decision-making by the Urologist by means of a Treatment Algorithm. Acquisition of the evidence: A search of current evidence on Abiraterone treatment in patients with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer was performed in PubMed, mainly analyzing those studies designed as clinical trials. In addition, we reviewed and updated the role of hormone therapy and androgen receptors in prostate cancer. Evidence synthesis: There are currently basically two clinical trials that demonstrate the effectiveness of Abiraterone in metastatic prostate cancer compared to placebo. The study COU-AA 302 shows a clear benefit with Abiraterone prior to chemotherapy in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer, this making it possible to establish an algorithm for initial treatment that facilitates decision-making by the urologist. Conclusion: Abiraterone is a pre-chemotherapy treatment option in selected patients with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer, although it is necessary to improve the cost and to design more multicenter clinical trials to optimize the cost/benefit ratio

Strategic Plan for the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (AEDV): FuturAEDV 2013-2017.

BACKGROUND: The Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) has decided that a Strategic Plan is needed to help the association adapt to new circumstances and anticipate future developments. OBJECTIVES: 1) To position the AEDV as a medical association that can exert an influence in everything related to dermatology. 2) To contribute to the development of the specialty, strengthening the prestige and reputation of dermatology and dermatologists. 3) To establish a model for operating and strategic thinking that can be handed on to successive Boards of Directors and will enable the Academy to identify future challenges. METHODS: The approach used to develop the Strategic Plan was as follows: analysis of trends in the health care system; assessment of the current situation of AEDV and of dermatology in general through an internal analysis based on surveys and interviews with academics; analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; preparation of a mission statement; and identification, development, and implementation of a strategy map prioritizing strategic lines of action. RESULTS: The strategy map set out 16 general goals grouped into 4 main topics (achieving the vision, internal and external customers, internal processes, and innovation) and detailed in an action plan with 19 initiatives, each with specific actions. The plan will be monitored by the Strategic Plan Monitoring Committee, which is made up of the members of the Standing Committee and the chairs of the 9 Technical Committees responsible for implementing the initiatives. COMMENT: The Functional Plan should guide the management of AEDV until 2017, and its implementation will enable the association to contribute to the development and prestige of the specialty and position itself as a reference in terms of its functional model.

Pre-chemotherapy abiraterone acetate. A proposal of a treatment algorithm in castration resistant prostate cancer.

CONTEXT: Prostate cancer treatment remains a challenge for the urologist. Medical control in locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer is usually performed with LHRH analogues and/or antiandrogens. Different treatments have been proposed when there is biochemical and clinical progression of the disease and other new ones have changed the patients' perspective and life expectancy. OBJECTIVE: This review has aimed to establish the current role of Abiraterone Acetate in the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer and facilitate decision-making by the Urologist by means of a Treatment Algorithm. ACQUISITION OF THE EVIDENCE: A search of current evidence on Abiraterone treatment in patients with castration- resistant metastatic prostate cancer was performed in PubMed, mainly analyzing those studies designed as clinical trials. In addition, we reviewed and updated the role of hormone therapy and androgen receptors in prostate cancer. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: There are currently basically two clinical trials that demonstrate the effectiveness of Abiraterone in metastatic prostate cancer compared to placebo. The study COU-AA 302 shows a clear benefit with Abiraterone prior to chemotherapy in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer, this making it possible to establish an algorithm for initial treatment that facilitates decision-making by the urologist. CONCLUSION: Abiraterone is a pre-chemotherapy treatment option in selected patients with castration resistant metastatic prostate cancer, although it is necessary to improve the cost and to design more multicenter clinical trials to optimize the cost/benefit ratio.

Hyperthyroidism as a clinical manifestation of a embryonal carcinoma of the testis.

This case report describes a case of hyperthyroidism as manifestation of an embryonal carcinoma, and illustrates the causes that led to it. The case describes a 33-year-old male patient who complained of chest pain, palpitations, mild dyspnoea, and weight loss. Blood analysis reveals high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (833818 mlU/ml), T3 (16.90 pg/ml), and T4 (7.77 ng/dl), as well as a fall of TSH (0.01 ulU/ml). Physical examination and imaging procedures confirm the occurrence of a left testicular tumour associated with numerous lung, hepatic and retroperitoneal metastases. Treatment with carbimazol and propanolol is established to manage hyperthyroidism, and an urgent orchiectomy is performed; the histologic diagnosis confirms an embryonal carcinoma (organoid type), but the patient died unexpectedly 24 hours later after having suffered sudden dyspnoea, tachypnoea, and tachyarrhythmia. Hyperthyroidism is a rare manifestation of a testicular tumour that should be borne in mind with regard to the patient's symptomatology and HCG levels.

[Jejunal obstruction by metastasis of a renal adenocarcinoma]. / Obstrucción yeyunal por metástasis de adenocarcinoma renal.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of jejunal obstruction due to metastatic renal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: A 66-year-old male who underwent nephrectomy 23 months earlier developed jejunal obstruction due to metastasis of the renal adenocarcinoma. The literature is reviewed and the uncommon form and site of presentation of this case are underscored and the different treatments are discussed.

[Fournier gangrene: our experience]. / Gangrena de Fournier: nuestra experiencia.

OBJECTIVE: Fournier's gangrene is a necrotizing fasciitis involving the genitoperineal region caused by the synergistic action of aerobic and anaerobic pathogens. It is a rapidly progressing disease and carries a high mortality. Our experience with Fournier's gangrene is presented. METHODS: Herein we describe 11 cases of Fournier's gangrene that were diagnosed and treated from 1991 to 1996. The most important predisposing factor was diabetes mellitus and the most common triggering factor was a perianal condition. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: The survival rate was high (81%) and can be ascribed to early diagnosis, aggressive and rapid surgical treatment with debridement, resection of the necrotic areas, drainage, simultaneous broad spectrum antibiotic therapy and frequent local treatment.

[Epidermoid carcinoma of the male urethra. Our experience in 5 cases]. / Carcinoma epidermoide de uretra masculina. Nuestra experiencia en cinco casos.

OBJECTIVES: Epidermoid carcinoma of the male urethra is a rare tumor that accounts for 70% of primary neoplasms of the urethra. The present study reviews our experience of 5 years in the diagnosis and treatment of this tumor type. METHODS: From 1991 to 1994, we diagnosed and treated 5 male patients with epidermoid carcinoma of the urethra; mean age 58 years (range 43 to 76 years). The tumor was localized in the bulbomembranous urethra in 3 cases (60%) and in the penile urethra in the remaining 2 cases (40%). All patients presented with urethral stricture and complications following treatment (internal urethrotomy and dilatation). The tumors of the posterior urethra were Levine stage C and D at the time of diagnosis, while those of the anterior urethra were Levine stage B and C. RESULTS: Two patients with tumor in the posterior urethra underwent radical cystoprostatourethrectomy and bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy, whereas the remaining patients underwent emasculation or urethrectomy. Patient survival has ranged from 1 to 2.5 years at the present time. One patient with tumor in the bulbous urethra has died despite postoperative radio and chemotherapy, the outcome has been poor in another patient with tumor in the posterior urethra and no progression has been observed in the remaining patients at present. CONCLUSIONS: a) Urethral stricture with a torpid course and localized complications (fistula, periurethral abscess, etc.) following standard therapy have been the only widely accepted etiologic factors that we have observed in our patients; b) This tumor type must be suspected since treatment by radical surgery will have some likelihood of success if the carcinoma is diagnosed early, while it is still localized; c) To date, radio and chemotherapy have achieved poor results, the former being effective in tumors of the penile urethra only when given at a high dose; d) Patients generally die from localized complications, tumor recurrence, or lymph node metastasis (sepsis, hemorrhage, etc.).